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Canes' Williams to miss 4-6 months
Submitted by chipalexander on 09/17/2008 - 16:02
The Hurricanes suffered a big blow today when forward Justin Williams torn his right Achilles tendon, requiring surgery.
Williams, who suffered the injury in an off-ice workout this morning, is expected to be out four to six months. The seven-year veteran missed much of last season with a serious knee injury.
"It's certainly a setback for us," general manager Jim Rutherford said. "We were looking forward to Justin having a big year. This doesn't mean he won't be a part of it. He can come back for the most important part of it.
"We always talk of our depth. We'll see for sure. We have some guys who can jump into the top nine [forwards], but they're not capable of scoring 35 goals like Justin is."
Rutherford said Williams' injury "opens the door wider" for a player such as Jeff O'Neill, the former Hurricanes forward who did not play in the NHL last season and is attempting a comeback.
"If he has a good training camp, that would give us another option," Rutherford said. "We have options. It's difficult to replace a player like Justin, but it is an opportunity for someone else.
"We do not have to take a huge step backward."
Rutherford, noting the team's depth on defense, said the Canes could look into trading for a forward.
"We'll look at everything we can," Rutherford said. "That's what training camp is for — to evaluate. We may have players who perform well and not have to look outside."
UPDATE: It was initially reported that Williams already had undergone surgery. The procedure was scheduled for Thursday.
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Chip Alexander
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and was part of the coverage team for the Canes' Stanley Cup run in 2006. He can be reached at chip.alexander@newsobserver.com.
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Comments
please change the way you update your blog...
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 16:10 — Anonymous (not verified)You've gone back in and edited your blog entry, yet made no mention that it was updated. You reported that Williams already underwent surgery and have now updated the blog to remove that assertion.
You messed up and didn't get the facts right. No problemo. Everyone makes a mistake. Just put a note at the end of the blog entry to indicate that you've updated the entry and why you are updating. That's the way Luke did it. You should follow his lead in this regard. It's not like we can't look at the print version of the story and still see where you got it wrong.
I put a post down below asking you to clarify why you were the only media outlet reporting that Willie already had surgery. Instead of posting a comment reply (which is another way Luke did things that, imo, you should follow), your editing of the post in place without even an updated date/time stampe does not elevate my respect level for your reporting.
Justin Out For
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 11:19 — esteban19494-6 months huh ? some here worry about Jeff Oneill not cutting the mustard as it were...and some want us to bring in or trade for another forward...if i was JR or Ron Francis shoes & skates...here is a couple of options as I see them at this moment: 1. until camp starts we really can't speculate on anything or anybody, until we see who makes it or who don't at camp. 2. if Jeff Oneill don't make it then use what we have or bring one of the rat pack up and give them a shot. 3.not to worry what we can't control ! What will set the Canes apart is how the canes as a team come together, play together as if Justin wasn't even there anymore. Grant you that sounds rather cold, but remember we are talking the business end of the Canes, not our heartfelt waa, waa feelings for the team...After all when the going gets tough...only the tough get going right ? So are the Canes going to suck it up...and go on? or are they going to wallow in a giant pity party...and quit before they get started ? The choice is theirs now isn't it ? Go Canes !
Hang in there JW....simply
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 09:45 — Anonymous (not verified)Hang in there JW....simply stated, this bites. Use the fire to come back strong and healthy. We need you. And yes, can somebody please go wrap #12 in bubble wrap?
One more thing
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 09:34 — Anonymous (not verified)To add to what I just wrote, even if I'm wrong about the injuries & all that could've been prevented last year was several cases of the flu, perhaps we could've won just one more game during the middle part of the season? For us, that would've meant making the playoffs, millions of dollars for the organization, & who knows what else.
Come on Chip, give me some
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 07:43 — Anonymous (not verified)Come on Chip, give me some good news!
"It's certainly a setback for us,"
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 07:41 — asbrooksWhat an understatement!!
Justin Williams injury
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 07:40 — gk (not verified)All of these injuries cannot just be bad luck alone. I'm starting to wonder about their conditioning program. Maybe they train too hard. Who knows, but something's not right.
Jeff O deserves a shot. He's older and maybe a little wiser and in better shape (mentally and physically) than when he played last so he might have a roll to play. He'll never replace JW but maybe he can help.
Oh No! We Suck Again!
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 00:44 — laviolettefanOh No! We Suck Again!
Definitely a bummer. Justin
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 23:53 — Anonymous (not verified)Definitely a bummer. Justin is an important player. Does anyone else wonder if Pete Friesen is on the hook at all for our chronic injury pattern? Obviously some will be unavoidable in this sport, but could others perhaps be prevented with better training methods?
The posters on this blog
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 16:06 — JRs_FaultThe posters on this blog never disappoint. I fully expected everyone
would line up around Friesen on this...It's why I chose this screen
name.
It's like watching a bunch of six year old's play soccer... running in bunches to go kick at the ball.
How do any of you know exactly what Friesen
did/didn't do during the rehab (remember, these guys aren't under his
watch 24/7, particularly during the off-season) and how do you jump to
the conclusion that the Achilles is because of something he did?
Trade? JRs Fault (before a game is even played)
Parking? The Guy on the Roof's fault
Everything else? Jeff O'Neil's fault for even trying to come back
Huh?
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 08:10 — FuquayCaniacFreak nothing!
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 09:46 — C-Leaguer (not verified)For guys this young in this shape injuries like this are often times to result of poor training or over training. Sure, some of them are freak accidents. Cole's neck injury was clearly. Not all of them were freak accidents. This sport is tough on knees, elbows, groins, and ankles. The training staff should be working with the team to do preventative training that strengthens those areas while not overtraining to a point where mobility is effected. Saying all these injuries are freak injuries is like saying the Red Wings are good every year because of freak picks, signings and development. At some point there are too many random occurrences for them to be considered random any more.
Examples
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 09:30 — Anonymous (not verified)No, not joking. Several examples...1. We have a lot of injuries that are rushed back, then eventually require surgery & the guy misses more time than he would have in the first place. Cases like that make you question rehab/treatment protocol- team doctors come into play here, too.  2. Proper sanitation practices in the locker room can often prevent the spread of illness and the development of infections.  Just because one guy has the flu, it does not automatically mean that it has to pass through the entire team. 3. We also have the epidemic of groin strains every year, some of which are always ongoing. Sprains, strains, & even tears (even those occuring in a sudden "freak" accident) can sometimes be prevented by proper training methods that strengthen certain muscle groups to protect joints while maintaining flexibility. I would never suggest that Mr. Friesen is the fall guy for all of this, but it is his job to see that our athletes are in peak physical condition and as least susceptible to injury/illness as possible.
as a former leaf fan jeff
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 22:43 — Anonymous (not verified)as a former leaf fan jeff oneil is not the answer to any question, trade for some talent that can shoot AND skate
Sorry to Leaf's fans....
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 09:34 — Anonymous (not verified)I Apologize to Leaf's fan. When Jeff O'Neill played for your team he was only a dim shaddow of himself. He was coming off the horrible tragedy of his brother being killed in an accident... plus he and Maurice had troublesome history (at best).... The Jeff O'Neill who we all knew down here was very talented and skilled. Granted: He got lazy on us his last two seasons here....
 If we could get the Jeff O'Neill who got hit in the eye with the puck and then scored the game winner.... if THAT Jeff O'Neill could show up... Then he could be well on his way....
 I guess we'll see....
Agreed
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 07:33 — Anonymous (not verified)100% Agreed! Everybody wants to hold on to the past. Let it go. This is professional sports and is about winning, not keeping players around just because fans get emotionally attached to them.Â
Eaves will have to step it up and stay healthy.
Lets not forget Williams was out a majority of last year. Scoring goals was not this teams problem.  Defense and goal tending was the problem. Â
Where is Eric?
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 22:26 — AD (not verified)Someone lock him up and wrap him in bubble wrap. Bad things tend to happen in threes.
Keep this up and we are most definitely screwed.
noooo
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 22:25 — James_Un-frikin-believable. And god no, not O'Neil, he just stands around waiting for someone to tee him up. We need good defensive forwards, he would only hurt us. This will be a chance for Patrick Eaves to step up.
Justin is out
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 22:23 — Anonymous (not verified)Wow...I wonder if there might be any second thoughts now regarding that boneheaded trade which sent Cole to the Oilers. Especially since now JR is talking about possibly trading someone on defense for a forward. This must be the work of the hockey gods getting even for trading a guy that clearly should have retired in a Canes uniform.
Where to begin
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 09:42 — C-Leaguer (not verified)First, we've had extra defensemen for a while now. The news of trading one isn't new. Now, we might take a body back instead of a draft pick. In many ways this opesn up new options. Second, the chances of Cole retiring in a Hurricanes Uni was slim at best. His contract negotiations have always been difficult. I wouldn't say contentious, but I wouldn't complain too much if someone else did. The fact is that with Sutter, Dalpe, Boychuk and Bowman in the system and Cole's contract up after this season the chance of Cole staying where slim at best. Third, this has nothing to do with the hockey gods, and everything to do with a terrible training staff. It's official now, they can't keep people healthy.
Boneheaded?
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 09:01 — The Original Caniac (not verified)We are on a "wait and see" pattern for the Cole/Pitkanen trade.  If Pit comes in a plays solid D and can score 40 points as a D man this year - it was a GREAT trade.  So you can't call it boneheaded until we see how it plays out.  Odds are that after this year we wouldn't have been able to afford Erik anyway.  That and his production had started to slide.  So quit crying in your #26 jersey and remember that it's what's on the front of the sweater - not the back.
Please, get over this trade
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 08:11 — Anonymous (not verified)Please, get over this trade people.  We never would've had the cap room to give Cole what he is going to ask this off season. If we do, then hey guess what, he can come back next year. I don't think Cole will take what we can give though. Get over the trade and give Pitkanen a chance.
how does this happen?
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 18:46 — cpjuengehow does this happen?
and why isnt it happening to other teams?
it is almost ridiculous.
maybe im just ignorant.
Why?
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 20:16 — The Original Caniac (not verified)It was an off ice injury.  Meaning he was probably working out.  These fitness freaks work out all summer.  That's why training camp is so short for them - they are ready to go when the season starts.
Curious?
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 18:01 — Anonymous (not verified)Curious, Chip, your blog says Justin already underwent surgery, although the Canes news article says it's scheduled for this week. Which is correct? If he's already had the surgery, any news from it? What a blow to the team and to Justin, after all his hard work to get back and ready for this season. Guess this will make for an even more interesting training camp.
Blog Entry was re-written
Thu, 09/18/2008 - 17:17 — Anonymous (not verified)Since you didn't answer the question I'll answer it for you. "The Carolina Hurricanes suffered a big blow Wednesday when Williams tore his right Achilles tendon in an off-ice workout. The forward underwent surgery and is expected to be out four to six months." Chip, those were your words earlier, now you've changed your original blog post. I'm doubly disappointed - first that you didn't "fact check" an important point before this went to print, and second, that you just edited your blog post instead of acknowledging the revision. Did you think we wouldn't notice?
yeah... what's the deal?
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 22:47 — Anonymous (not verified)Chip,
 You're the only media outlet reporting that he already underwent surgery. Everyone else is reporting later in the week to next week for the surgery. Did you confuse something JR said or are you scooping every other media outlet?
"off-ice workout"
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 17:57 — Anonymous (not verified)Listed as an "off-ice workout." The article infers it wasn't suffered at Camp Brind'amour so let's not start calling for an end to a good thing without all the facts. Could be any type of workout - weights, running, etc. Definitely a huge blow to the team before the season even starts. Get well quick, JW.
How about bringing up
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 17:23 — Anonymous (not verified)How about bringing up someone young and fresh not a has been.
The hockey gods are mocking
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 16:48 — Mike D. (not verified)The hockey gods are mocking us.
Get better JW.
What a blow to a season
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 16:22 — RG (not verified)What a blow to a season before it even begins...paging Jeff O'Neill...this team is injury cursed it seems...the bad luck that seems to follow this team around injury-wise is simply unfathomable...
O'Neil
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 16:22 — Chris (not verified)With Williams out for 4-6 you have to think O'Neil's chance just got significantly better - the next two questions that will hopefully be answered in the coming days are: is O'Neil really ready/able to play again and are they talking seriously about a contract.
Justin Williams
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 16:21 — Jerry (not verified)Man, we need to get him back but for every injury an opportunity is created for someone else and for sure we are are going to camp with alot of great forwards. Even though he's not a center maybe with some shuffling O'Neil finds a spot opening night??
So Ummmmm.......
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 16:07 — Anonymous (not verified)How are the "Rod Brind'Amour informal workouts" working out?Â
 This is not good at all! Geez... I don't even really know what to say. Hope he heals completely and quickly. Â
 What might this do to Jeff O'Neill's chances?
Yeah, Camp Brind'amour is
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 16:39 — Anonymous (not verified)Yeah, Camp Brind'amour is clearly bad for the team and the guys shouldn't be allowed to do it anymore.
 Gimme a break. This is a freak occurrence and not indicative of anything other than--dun dun dun!--a freak occurrence!
I agree this is probably a
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 17:04 — Anonymous (not verified)I agree this is probably a one-in-a-million type thing as far as the "informal" workouts go.
 In reading further it was not made clear if he was injured at a workout session at the Rec Zone or if it were in some other activity. The report said he was injured "during a training session..."
 I wonder if anyone will bring a little clarity to that....
Rod Brind 'Amour Injury
Wed, 09/17/2008 - 18:57 — Mark L. (not verified)His knee injury must have been at the morning workout he ran Monday morning. I parked at the Rec Zone at 11:45 am just as he came limping out to get in his car. He must have gone directly to a doctor or hospital as the radio announcemnt came out a few hours later.